Vitamin C (vitamin) for treatment of
common cold in Adults with cold

Ineffective

Bottom Line

Treatment with high dosage of Vitamin C supplement (Ascorbic acid tablets). 7 valid study conducted, with 3,249 individuals. Does not reduce cold symptoms and does not speed up recovery. Mild side effects include diarrhea, upset stomach. May cause kidney stones.

EVIDENCE | REASONABLY TESTED

EFFECTIVENESS | INEFFECTIVE

SAFETY | MILD RISKS

Recommendations

Avoid this treatment:

It does not seem effective in treating cold symptoms or in shortening their duration. Side effects are usually minor, but this treatment may rarely damage the kidney.

Doctors Say That

When the flu just begins, consider using a high dosage of Vitamin C, as it may relief flu symptoms and shorten the duration of the flu according to one clinical study.

Any excess of Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) is evacuated from our body through the urine. This makes vitamin C pretty safe even in high dosages.

About Vitamin C (vitamin)

Ascorbic Acid tablets

Target Population:

Adults with cold, 16 to 65 years old

Dosage:

Several grams per day, during Common Cold occurrence

Goal:

Treatment of Common Cold symptoms

Research Summary

Reasonably tested

7Clinical Studies

3,249 Adults Tested

Ineffective

Benefits:

Ineffective, does not seem to reduce Common Cold symptoms. Does not seem to speed up recovery.

Mild risks

Risks:

Minor side effects include diarrhea, upset stomach, stomach cramps, nausea, heartburn. Rare side effects may include vomiting, headache, insomnia, flushing of the face, blood in the urine, kidney stones.

Common Cold Overview

Medical problem:

Common Cold (symptoms caused by viral infection of the upper respiratory system).

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid, is a vitamin found in food and used as a dietary supplement. As a supplement it is used to treat and prevent scurvy. Evidence does not support use in the general population for the prevention of the common cold. It may be taken by mouth or by injection. It is generally well tolerated. Vitamin C was discovered in 1912, isolated in 1928, and first made in 1933. (source)